Alternative Way To Cure Crohn's Day 132

Researching Artichokes
Castroville, California, claims to be the "Artichoke Capital of the World." In fact, California holds an 'Artichoke Queen' contest. The most famous 'Artichoke Queen' was Marilyn Monroe in 1947. Yet artichoke is a star on its own. Research is underway to see how it can play a starring role in helping Crohn's Disease and Colitis patients.
Jerusalem artichokes* contain FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) – prebiotics or non-digestible molecules that stimulate the growth of probiotics (helpful bacteria strains). Researchers are checking to see if probiotics, prebiotics, and the resulting compounds (symbiotics) might alone or in combination have significant benefits in the intestine. Evidence suggests that probiotics may help maintain remission in IBD patients. *North American plant, edible tuber, referred to as artichoke or sunchoke
In addition, probiotics seem to be effective in Colitis patients with pouchitis (surgery complication). A research team who used a germinated barley preparation (as a probiotic) report reduced disease activity in ulcerative colitis patients. Yet the research is not conclusive to date – although study continues into the use of artichoke extract as an antioxidant and protection for the liver. Medications based on probiotics are also under development.
It seems that artichoke extract may play a role in controlling conditions where modern medicine is challenged to find a cure. Artichoke leaf extract is made from the basal leaves (with the most concentration of flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids) of the artichoke bush.
The extract should not, however, be taken by people with gall stones or bile duct problems. Artichoke leaf extract has a stimulating effect on bile. A warning to all consumers - never take any extracts, powders, potions, or unfamiliar herbs without consulting with your doctor. Keep in mind that people can have allergies and even common herbs (even as familiar as dandelion) can interfere with certain medications. If allergic to artichoke, an individual can experience acute enlargement (edema) of the tongue.
Of course, researchers continue to study the possible benefits of artichokes. Patients at four London hospitals took part in a clinical trial to examine how supplements derived from fructose could help IBD patients. The study focused on increasing levels of anti-inflammatory "good bacteria." Fructose is found naturally in artichokes, leeks, asparagus, onions, and bananas.
Artichokes are believed to reduce nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and flatulence (related to non-specific digestive disorders). The insulin in artichokes makes it an effective treatment for bloating. Artichokes contain 16 essential nutrients but only 25 calories.